Damaging Winds in Maryland, July 18, 1997

A rapidly developing squall line produced scattered severe weather as it moved from the northern suburbs of Washington, DC through lower southern Maryland. In Bethesda, large limbs were knocked down. Numerous large limbs and some trees fell in Prince George's Co, namely in College Park, Riverdale, and Silver Hill. Other damage occurred between Bowie and Brandywine, including several snapped tree tops. Property damage was minimal, including minor roof damage from fallen limbs.In Waldorf, a wind gust of 71 mph was reported. An observer in White Plains (Charles Co) recorded a 61 mph gust. In the District of Columbia and immediate Maryland suburbs, 20,000 customers were without power during the height of the storm. In Anne Arundel Co, at least 8 large limbs fell onto roads and into yards, but no direct property damage was reported. In all, 25,000 Baltimore Gas and Electric customers lost power during the storm; 18,000 of those were in Anne Arundel Co.